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The ABS says businesses spent some $20.6 billion on capital, which is some 2.5 per cent less than the previous quarter.

However, the ABS's survey of companies found they expect to invest a total of $87 billion during this financial year, which is 11 per cent higher than the 2006-07 financial year.

Furthermore, the ABS estimate for business expenditure for 2008-09 is 19.5 per cent higher than the estimate of 2007-08, meaning installers should expect increased orders after July 1 this year.